Addison’s disease is an endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones (cortisol and aldosterone). To fully understand the signs and symptom’s presented by the disorder, RNs and student nurses should know the what adrenal hormones do and how they work in the body.

Patient’s with this disorder should take hormone replacement pills for life. If left untreated, patient may go into a life threatening condition called Addisonian crisis, which is the sudden sever worsening of symptoms. Symptoms that nurses should watch out for include severe vomiting and diarrhea, low blood pressure, dehydration, loss of consciousness, and sudden penetrating pain in the lower back.

For more information for nurses, students and their patients on Addison’s disease and other Endocrine disorders, follow up with the linked resources below.